how to check serps?

I have seen in the past on this forum that users keep track of their forum using serps by displaying certain stats. I would like to know how you guys do this, so i can start keeping track what I am doing in the search engines.

I would also like to know how and where to add google stats to the forum, or exactly where do i place the code.

Thank-You

You can sign up for Google Analytics. They will give you a code that can be added directly to your vBSEO Control Panel. They also provide instructions on how to add it to your site (if you are running more than a forum).
Google Analytics

You can also get some stats in your Google Webmaster Control Panel:
Google Webmaster Tools - Recommended for All vBSEO Customers

Within your Google Webmaster tools, you will find links to check Google directly using the "link:" and "site:" queries, etc.